David Renier Straeten

David Renier Straeten passed away December 12, 2025, after a year-long illness and remarkable fight, all the while maintaining his humor and keeping us laughing along with him. He was born to Renier R. Straeten and Gretchen Mayo Straeten, both now deceased, on Staten Island, N.Y. December 2, 1943. Dave was also predeceased by his sister Judith E. Straeten of New York City.
Dave spent much of his youth in Towson, Maryland and Japan. His family later moved to Portsmouth, where Dave attended Woodrow Wilson High School, graduating in 1961. Four memorable years followed at the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi and served as treasurer and president. He spent two of these years living with close friends in a converted barn on Fishburne Farm in Ivy, where lifelong memories were made.
After graduating from Virginia in 1965, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was stationed in the North Atlantic, standing watch aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Absecon. He believed service was important and remained in the Coast Guard Reserve for the next 28 years, retiring as a Commander in 1994.
After completing active duty, he began his insurance career with Crawford & Company in 1966. He later discovered his love of maritime insurance and partnered with Abercrombie, Simmons & Gillette, based in Houston, until his retirement in 2024.
Dave was a member of Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, the Princess Anne Country Club, and the Norfolk German Club. He was also a member and past president of the Hampton Roads Claims Association.
Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol Roberts Straeten, his three children: Brook Straeten Avery (Waightstill), Sara Straeten Dailey (Curtis), David Renier Straeten, Jr. (Beth) and eight grandchildren: Emily Straeten Avery, Leah Frances Avery, Meredith Blake Avery, Charles Renier Dailey, Caroline Brook Dailey, Thomas Straeten Dailey, David Renier Straeten, III (Stone) and Mayme Frayser Straeten.
His life centered around his family. "Dumpy," lovingly nicknamed by his granddaughter, never missed an event involving his children and grandchildren, ever-present on the sidelines and always ready with a post-game hug. A dedicated Norfolk Academy phonothon caller, he enjoyed reconnecting annually with the many friends he made as an N.A. parent. He also cherished his games on the tennis and pickleball courts as time allowed. Dumpy will be sorely missed by all of his family and many friends.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at Virginia Oncology Associates and the Brock Center for their care during his illness, as well as the very compassionate hospice nurses. A celebration of Dave's life will be held at a later date, with notice appearing in the Virginian Pilot ahead of time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or Norfolk Academy, 1585 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502.